Peabody to host once-in-a-lifetime auction

Posted: Friday, August 7, 2015

Peabody Retirement Community will host an once-in-a-lifetime live auction on Saturday, August 22 at 9 a.m., of more than 300 lots of fine antiques. From classic copper weathervanes, to original Hummel figurines dating back to the 1930s, to impressive pieces of classic furniture and crystal, the proceeds from the sale of these items will go to support endowments for the community.

Though countless works of art, timeless collectibles and unique, one-of-a-kind items will be available for the first time ever, what makes the benefit auction especially unique is the opportunity to purchase original paintings from renowned Indiana artist Homer G. Davisson.

More than 20 paintings, all from Homer’s wife Bess’ personal collection which she donated to Peabody when she came to live at the community, will be available during the auction. Never before has this cherished, personal collection been for sale on the open market. Until now, Davisson’s paintings have been found mostly in limited personal collections and in art galleries throughout the Midwest. A student of the early Impressionists, Davisson studied in France to learn his craft before returning to Indiana. His paintings offer a snapshot into the state’s past, the scenes providing glimpses of a period that time has long since claimed.

Collectors far and wide will now have the opportunity to personally own an original prized canvas from one of Indiana’s most heralded and respected artists. The paintings for sale in the auction were Bess’s favorites, the ones she felt were her husband’s most timeless and beautiful, which she was happy to share with the residents at Peabody, the community she appreciated and adored.

After Bess’ passing, Davisson’s works were displayed throughout the halls at Peabody. Now the time has come for Peabody to become better stewards for these rare gifts. Peabody’s primary focus is to care for others – not art. By making these works available, the retirement community is initiating an opportunity for the broader art world to care and appreciate the beauty and history of Davisson’s creations.

The money that will be raised at the auction of the Davisson paintings and the other collections will be transformed into perpetual endowments to help support Peabody and its residents. With this auction, Peabody is building on the past and investing in the future. Peabody will never again offer collectors this opportunity to own a piece of our region’s past. The live day session of the auction, open to all, will begin on Saturday, August 22 at 9 a.m. A special public viewing of the items to be auctioned off will take place on Friday, August 21 from 5 to 7 p.m.